more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 14537

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 9. General Causation / a. Constant conjunction ]

Full Idea

There can be constant conjunction without causation (coincidences) and causation without constant conjunction (smoking causes cancer).

Gist of Idea

Coincidence is conjunction without causation; smoking causing cancer is the reverse

Source

S.Mumford/R.Lill Anjum (Getting Causes from Powers [2011], 1.2)

Book Ref

Anjum,R.J./Mumford,S.: 'Getting Causes from Powers' [OUP 2011], p.9


A Reaction

This seems to be presented as a knock-down argument, but I think Humeans can reply to both of them. If you look at the wider pattern of coincidence, or the deeper pattern of coincidence, both of these counterexamples seem to fail.

email your comments